“Love One Another As I Have Loved You.”

by David Lins  |  05/09/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

Simple words. But we all know simple words don’t always equate to simple execution.

“Till death do us part” for example. :) The concept is simple, but the sacrament of marriage takes prayer, sweat, and occasional tears. Am I right?

So...back to “love one another as I have loved you.”

How many of us feel like George Bailey—like we’ve given up oh-so-much for those closest to us? But Jesus willingly came down to Earth and dealt with heat, exhaustion, hunger, thirst, dirt, etc. He is God. He didn’t have to experience any of those thousands of small discomforts.

How many of us have wanted to do something all on our own because it would be so much easier than equipping and entrusting tasks to those less qualified? But Jesus hand selected followers and entrusted His message to them.

How many of us have had our integrity questioned by someone who should know better and then we distance ourselves from them. We live by the mantra, forgive but never forget, as if that really works in the end. But Jesus was abandoned by almost all his closest followers and denied by his number two. He forgave and immediately went back to them after he rose.

How many of us say we have suffered and claim we would die for our loved ones? Jesus was whipped, scourged, withstood insane blood loss, had nails driven through his hands and feet, and suffocated upon the cross. For you. For me. For us.

Love one another by being willing to endure hardships and forgo comfort. Love one another by inviting others into your mission and your life—even when it takes more effort and drains your reserves. Love one another by returning to—and forgiving those who have dared question your integrity or have not risen to the challenge in your time of need. Love by being willing to lay down your life for others. Love one another as Jesus has loved you.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be within you and your joy might be complete.”

Questions? Comments? Reach David at dlins@oloj.org.

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